ABOUT CAPE TOWN

If Cape Town were a cocktail, it would be equal parts San Francisco and Sydney, with a splash of Zulu culture and a twist of British and Dutch influence. The city is a happy collision of many things: The Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet here, as well as vineyards, beaches and all types of Mediterranean cuisine, all cradled by Table Mountain. It is also the second-biggest city in South Africa for business, right behind Johannesburg, but infinitely better looking and more relaxed.

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Let us partner you when visiting Cape Town to find your ideal hotel accommodation for a perfect stay in the fairest of Capes.

Regards, The Capetown365 team.

Climate
The climate is in general Mediterranean; with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. In the arid semi-desert of the Karoo this differs, with dry winters and low summer rainfall. On the coast during summer the temperature ranges from 15°C up to 27°C. Inland it increases with 3 - 5°C.

During winter it ranges between 7°C and 18°C. Inland the mornings are 5°C and the midday around 22°C.

During summer, the forceful "Cape Doctor" (local wind) helps to clear the air of the Fairest Cape for your enjoyment, and drapes Table Mountain with a snow-white tablecloth of clouds that lay the "table" for a wonderful stay.

Health Requirements
Cape Town is a safe destination with good levels of hygiene and drinkable water. There are nonetheless some health issues that you should be aware of.

For travellers entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected area, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Apart from this, there are no compulsory inoculations. As in other countries, always take precautions when having sex. South Africa has a higher (than most countries) rate HIV in the world. The only other medical threat is the hot, strong African sun. One must be careful not to underestimate the effects of the sun; it is quite common for visitors to lose a day of holiday to sunstroke, by overindulging in the sun. Plenty of sun cream, a good sun hat and gradual adjustment are recommended.

Public Holidays in South Africa:
1 January New Year's Day

21 March - Human Rights Day

8 April - Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)

21 April - Family Day (Monday after Easter Sunday)

27 April - Freedom Day 1 May - Workers Day

16 June - Youth Day 9 August - National Women's Day

24 September - Heritage Day

16 December - Day of Reconciliation

25 December - Christmas Day

26 December - Day of Goodwill

Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, North - Sotho, South - Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. In the Western Cape English, Afrikaans and Xhosa are used the most. Most establishments/attractions do have staff speaking German, French or Italian.

Religion
Most denominations are represented. Churches, mosques, temples & synagogues are found in the major cities.

Tax Refund
VAT (Value Added Tax) is set at 14% at this stage. Visitors to South Africa are not exempted from paying tax on purchases, but they may claim it back if the total value on items exceeds R250. This can be claimed back at airports, various harbours & customs offices. An original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport is required. The items that were purchased must also be presented.

Time
Standard Time in South Africa is

2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time

7 hours advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time

Tipping
It is standard practice in South Africa. In restaurants it is 10% of the total bill (satisfactory service). The tip is usually not included in the bill. Taxi drivers get 10% of the total, and porters get R1 per bag.

Tourist Safety
When visiting the Western Cape, please take the same precautions you would in any other city or town, such as avoiding the unnecessary display of valuables and refraining from walking in deserted areas or going out alone at night.

Safety at your Hotel
Because your safety and security are of the utmost importance to us, we've put together a few basic precautions of which we urge you to take heed.

Never leave your baggage unattended - even when on a guided tour.

Keep all valuables - such as large amounts of money, expensive jewellery and cameras - in the hotel safe.

Carry your passport and travelling documents only when necessary - rather use certified copies.

Keep your door locked at all times. When someone knocks, ask who it is before opening the door.

Be aware when entering or leaving parking areas.

Hand in your keys at reception whenever you leave the hotel.

Electricity
220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are standard so it is best to take an adapter with you. Adapters can be bought at most retail stores. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.

Water
In most cities/towns/game reserves the tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink

Post Offices
Opening times: Mondays - Fridays: 08:00 - 16:00 Stamps can be bought at all post offices, as well as some hotels and shops. Please note that the information displayed above is far from complete, please consider purchasing one of the following books for more in-depth information.